Suggest one obsure album we all should hear

The last farewell to the hospital ark royal! 3000 drunken sailors in a sing along in the aircraft  hanger. Really wonderful  and the marine Corp band is great!

The last farewell to the hms  ark royal. Auto correct lol

Dwight Twilley Band-Sincerely 

power pop for the ages

Dwight Twilley Band-Sincerely 

power pop for the ages

Well it depends on what type of music you’re into. I listen to a lot of jazz and a fair amount of rock. For an obscure jazz album try “ The Chuck Mangione Quartet”, it’s his first album and a very mellow. It’s not available on cd and Amazon can order it but it has to come from Germany. Picture on the album front is him sitting on a metal fold up chair playing a flugelhorn. If you like party rock and roll, my favorite album in that genre is Little Feat “Waiting For Columbus”. It hasn’t been produced in decades but good old Amazon has a source for the album that is remastered. It really is the best quality live rock concert I’ve ever heard. 
If you like new jazz there’s Snarky Puppy in concert in Europe accompanied by an orchestra that I really like. The album title is Sylva and includes a dvd of the concert. A couple more of their albums, that I like are “ We Like It Here” and “Immigrance” both a lively music and enjoyable. Hope these help.

@buckroa: A fantastic album, in my all-time Top 10. But I think a fair number of people here know about it.

Less well known is the debut of L.A. Power Pop band The Beat (the Paul Collins led quartet). Have you heard anything by The UK group The Records? Or the s/t debut of Emitt Rhodes? How ’bout Marshall Crenshaw? The Rubinoos? For a blast of high-energy Pop, listen to their "I Wanna be Your Boyfriend". Electrifying! And if you haven’t heard it, Shake Some Action by The Flamin’ Groovies, produced by Dave Edmunds at Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Neil Diamond:  Stones

old album, and short but sweet... don't knock it til you've heard it

Here’s a list of a few of my favorites that I suspect may be less well known:

Balalaika Favorites - Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra

Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ - Michael Murray

A Life of Tango - Alfredo Marcucci

Looking for You - Allan Taylor

Gloria - Gabor Boldoczki

Italian Concertos - Gabor Boldoczki

Stand Ye Steady: Songs of Courage and Inspiration - USMA Cadet Glee Club

Christmas Classics with Harp and Oboe

Imax Everest Soundtrack

For people that don’t listen to religious artist these might be of interest anyways:

A Drummer Boy Christmas - For King & Country

Burn the Ships - For King & Country

What are We Waiting for? For King & Country

How Can it Be? - Lauren Daigle

JASON FALKNER:  "CAN YOU STILL FEEL?"

Jason was the guitarist on the Jellyfish breakout album "BELLYBUTTON" and has several solo albums, but this album is a power pop masterpiece and his debut album,

"PRESENTS  AUTHOR UNKNOWN",  is another interesting power pop gem. This guy is worth a listen!

@audioman74: In case you are a Jason Faulkner completist and don't know about it: Before Jellyfish, Faulkner was in a group named The Grays, who had one album on Epic Records. I heard it when it was released, but didn't like it enough to buy.

Fellow Grays member Jon Brion of course went on to become a well known producer (Aimee Mann, Elliot Smith, Fiona Apple, soundtracks---including the great film Hard Eight).

I finally secured the album Sweet Dreams And Quiet Desires (Avalanche Records, 1973) by the Country Rock trio Borderline, after learning of its existence from Hedley (Another Fat Bearded Man Talking About Records on YouTube), in his "Five Of The Best Country Rock Albums You’ve Never Heard" (part 1) video. This British chap Hedley really knows his stuff, check him out.

One member of Borderline was Jim Rooney, who went on to greater success as a producer (he produced this album), including those for Nanci Griffith (Other Voices, Other Rooms, a fantastic album for which he won a Grammy), Iris DeMent (her debut Infamous Angel), John Prine (Aimless Love), Townes Van Zandt, Hal Ketchum and Bonnie Raitt. Wow.

For those of you who look for album credits, here are some of the musicians who play on the album:

- Ben Keith on pedal steel (Patsy Cline---he played on "I Fall To Pieces"!, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Willie & Waylon, Warren Zevon, and Jewel--- he produced her debut album. Damn ;-).

- John Simon on piano (producer of the first two Band albums, the first B, S & T, Big Brothers’ Cheap Thrills, Leonard Cohen’s debut).

- Billy Mundi on drums (Mothers Of Invention, Tim Buckley, Geoff & Maria Muldaur).

- Dave Sanborn on sax (you know him as David).

- Vassar Clements on fiddle (Flatt & Scruggs, Stephane Grappelli, Dave Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band).

Not too shabby;-) .

Susanna Hoffs - Someday

Frazie Ford - Indian Ocean

Shovels and Rope - By Blood

I saw Ted Leo here but I’d include him with The Pharmacists over the Aimee Mann collabs. My #1 obscure and fun pick is Ozric Tentacles - Arborescence

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mOOXxLf2PqPKglFAn6ymKwVpnyG0ACIt4
 

It’s a Beautiful Day, album or disk White Bird 1967..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8Pp7gmoj_o

some, very long term, legal hassle keeps the original album off of Tidal

It's not on Qobuz either. 

Should have been an out-of-the-park Americana hit album.  Terrific instrumentals with original songs and great vocals.  These two were a perfect match in the studio - one can only hope that they will eventually record together again.

LoseTo Win by Kelley Mickwee and Jed Zimmerman

Been a Bruce Hornsby fan for decades but just stumbled across his live album, Intersections.

His cover of Madman Across the Water is my new favorite audiophile track.

Try it.  I think you’ll love it.

Not quite obscure anymore - thankfully - but at the time

Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea

Saw them at The Black Cat in DC around 98 when this first came out. Compared to their first album it was a departure and, initially, a bit disappointing. They were opening for Supersuckers. The club was nearly empty they played this straight through.  Despite being considered by some to be an experimental ‘noise’ band - they played this note for note. Nothing was an accident. We left before the headliners even came on - didn’t want to ruin it. There was a line of a few hundred outside that had skipped the opening act - it sold out. Fools. 
 

They dropped out after this album but The Gerbils (The Battle of Electricity could also make the grade here) kept some momentum going. Rumors as to why abound. Some say Jeff just got tied of everybody asking what the lyrics meant. I always assumed he dropped music to write more - or to avoid the limelight. 

@dougthebiker 

Bruce Hornsby, Madman across the water.

Good Choice!

Not at all obscure to fans of Americana artists, but for the rest of ya'll:

Larry Campbell was in Dylan’s band for eight years, then went to work for Levon Helm. He not only lead the house band at Levon’s Midnight Rambles, but also produced his Grammy-winning 2007 album Dirt Farmer. Larry and his wife Teresa Williams have made two albums: 2015’s s/t, and 2017’s Contraband Love. Just buy ’em ;-) .

Osibisa - First Album Osibisa.

Most Enjoyable Jazz Female vocal.....Karen Souza....Velvet Vault.  My girlfriend won't give my album back.

@bdp24.....Man....you hit all the right buttons.  Paul Collins and the Beat...Dwight Twilley....Emmitt Rhodes....THE FLAMIN' GROOVIES are FAB....But the Best Power POP of the 70's....a band call THE RECORDS. Never did a bad song.

@mbmi: I had the pleasure of working with John Wicks of The Records when after The Records called it quits he embarked on a solo career. We became acquainted after he saw Emitt Rhodes in 1997 perform for the first time in a quarter century, at that years’ Poptopia Festival in Los Angeles. I was a member of the band that was assembled to back Emitt for that performance, and provided accompaniment for John when he began playing around town. We lived not too far apart in Burbank. John unfortunately passed away in 2018 after battling cancer for a few years.

Beside John’s talents (he was the group’s main songwriter, lead singer, and rhythm guitarist), in Will Birch The Records had a fine drummer and lyricist. Paul Collins was himself originally a drummer, being in a trio named The Nerves, the other two members being Peter Case (later of The Plimsouls) and Jack Lee (best known as writer of Blondie’s hit "Hanging On The Telephone").

@bdp24.........Wow , great info......That was such an exciting time for innovative music. The band I was in fronted for The Byrds...The Left Bank ( Walk Away Renee and Pretty Ballerina).....Questionmark and the Mysterions....The Barbarians with the one arned drummer ( Are you a boy or are you a girl) and The Beau Brummels ( Laugh Laugh)......

Joanne Vent

Amazing blues singer died way to young (26).

They Audreys

Between Last Night and Us.

I have no idea if it’s obscure or not. Hasn’t been mentioned so it’s too popular or not popular enough

Two:

Waiting For A Miracle - The Comsat Angels

Miss America - Mary Margaret O’Hara

I'm going to list two, because they are both must-haves. I don't want you to assume you won't like the 1st one because of the artist, this album is requested by my mother who is 70yrs old, my brother who is 41yrs old and my 22yr old daughter (who I used to put to bed with this playing on a stereo in her bedroom when she was 3 & 4yrs old).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Beastie Boys - The In Sounds from Way Out... This album is all instrumental, with the boys recording some of their olds songs as well as new ones live in the studio. It is such a chill, slow, sit and stare into a fire or an aquarium, take a Xanax and have a glass of bourbon on ice type of album. Great for background music to your living room, with or without company. This album will make everyone you know ask, “who is this? I like this!” by the 30-second mark of the 3rd song. You just can't go wrong with this album, no matter the circumstances.                                                                                                                                                                                       Portishead - Dummy... If you don't know, now you know. Just a perfect album especially if it's just you and your girl and a nicely rolled joint. 

By the way, to @audioman74 I cannot believe I just read your post about Jellyfish!! So very happy to hear that there is someone else in this world that knows how amazing they were. Bellybutton was good, but I preferred Spilt Milk... Glutton of Sympathy and Too Much Too Little To Late are just fantastic songs as well as New Mistake. Anyway, I am immediately going to check out Jason Falkner. 

Lowell George's solo album.

Thanks, I'll Eat It Here

@soarnatti  beat me to it.  It's a Beautiful Day is one and the others, which may not be so rare, are the white NRPS album, Nilsson Schmilsson, and Heart's Magazine, which has the best version of Harry's Without You ever (turn it UP!)

Cheers!

Johnny Winter - About Blues on Janus Records 1969

Compilation of some of Johnny’s early Blues tracks with some great classics.

"The Loading Zone" was the house band at the Fillmore. Lead singer was Linda Tillery who could really belt out R&B. Last time I checked, she was a gospel singer. The first (of only 2) albums they recorded was on RCA and the recording is harsh and grating and the music has been derided by some critics as "derivative'. Nonetheless, I really like it and it is (or was) available on Tidal.

Anything by "The 13th Floor Elevators" is worth hearing (also on Tidal). The earliest and some of the very best psychedelic rock music and a highly influential band.

"Living With the Animals" by "Mother Earth" (Tidal) is a good example of 1960s "country rock". 

Maybe not too obscure, but "Big Brother and the Holding Company" (cover art by R. Crumb) is an absolute classic. Janis at her zenith.

Osibisa Woyaya album.

There is a song here named "Y sharp" at the end of which has probably the best ever electric guitar solo in the world, starting at 4:25 minute mark in the song. Unfortunately, the recordings are old so quality is not good.  

Artist: Bill Pritchard

Album: Three Months, Three Weeks & Two Days

From 1989, but doesn't sound dated (at least not to me).  Written and performed by an ex-pat British artist, this is mostly mellow, romantic music with thoughtful lyrics and a hint of French influence.

Willis Alan Ramsey.

@discnik  I second Peaceful World—classic ‘70s jazz from an unexpected source.

@rklune  Kites is now on YouTube, but perhaps nowhere else.  Interesting to hear how Jade Warrior evolved from psychedelic/progressive rock to more avant-garde material, but I prefer their earlier albums.

I nominate Steve Hillage’s Fish Rising.  He was a brilliant guitarist and interesting composer with a good band on this first solo release of his.  Not the best-sounding recording, but a good listen nevertheless.

If I may nominate a second album in a somewhat similar vein (although more diverse, genre-wise), listen to Dr. Muso’s It’s Snot What You Think.  (If you stream on Amazon US Premium, Tidal or Apple, the artist gets paid more than other streaming services.)

For those  whose musical tastes lean more towards Claude Bolling or other “chamber jazz,” check out The Roger Kellaway Cello Quartet, especially side one.

Osamu Kitajima "Osamu". Not only Taiko drums that will test your cartridge and bottom your subwoofers, but you have Minnie Ripperton out-theremining a theremin on 'Yesterday and Karma'. Yes, that's a human voice you're hearing. You Tube it.

The album is “The Purple” by Stomu Yamash’ta , an extraordinary Japanese percussionist.  Listen to the track “Compassion”  You can find it in YouTube and Spotify

"All The King's Men" - A tribute to Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana

Willy Deville, Victory Mixture. Great New Orleans music and sound quality. He picked out classic/obscure older singles and recorded with a stellar New Orleans musicians live in studio.

Rendezvous Lounge, really interesting techno/ mix tracks….great sound. Smooth. 

Cande Y Paulo ... self titled album, its just amazing, one of the best things I’ve heard in a long time... It's a Argentinian Duo, the singer is this girl Cande that also plays the stand up bass.... everyone with a good system needs to play this album 

Leaf Hound- Growers of Mushroom   Blues Rock, sound like Zeppelin

Tomorrow- S/T   Early Psych/Prog featuring Steve Howe

Shadows of Knight- Back Door Men    Garage/Blues Rock

Midnight Flyer-S/T   excellent female lead vocalist

Fraction- Moon Blood    Sound a little like the Doors

Armando Piazza- Suan    Italian Prog/Folk  played with Shawn Phillips

Matthew Wadsworth, "Silver Strings", theorbo recital, on the Deux-Elles label.

Beggars Opera, album is called Pathfinder. 

Thomas Feiner & Anywhen - The Opiates Revisited (can be found on Bandcamp) as a digital Download and CD, Vinyl.

It's Immaterial -Song (hard to find these days, They have two other albums, Song is my favorite. Life's Hard Then You Die, and House For Sale are the other two and these are more readily available.

Hochzeitskapelle – If I think of love

They call it „rumble jazz“. Band partially comprised of members of German alternative band The Notwist playing mostly cover versions, all acoustic (banjo, tuba, trombone, drums, violin). Extremely charming and touching. Great choice of songs from Elliot Smith over Romy Schneider & Michel Piccoli and some raggea classic that I forgot to Kermit the frog. They play locally in the Munich area mostly, from markets to parks to demonstrations. All three albums are great, for starters I recommend „If I think of love“.